Program Tips

Program Outcomes

At the completion of this Paralegal Program, students are able to:

1. Apply ethical principles in the legal environment.
2. Process legal documents.
3. Perform legal research.
4. Apply critical thinking skills to address legal issues.
5. Demonstrate professionalism in a legal environment.

American Bar Association Requirements

CVTC's Paralegal Program is one of a very select group of paralegal education programs in the United States that is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), and it is the only ABA approved paralegal education program in the Chippewa Valley. Student must take a minimum of 9-semester credits of 110 legal specialty coursework through remote synchronous instruction.  Students must take Intro to Paralegal & Legal Ethics (Fall only), Civil Litigation I (Fally only), and Legal Writing (Spring only) by remote synchronous instruction.  The other required courses may be offered in an online, remote synchronous, or traditional format.  Legal specialty selective classes may be offered on a rotational basis.

Program Characteristics

The primary goal of CVTC's Paralegal Program is to educate students for positions as paralegals where they may thrive professionally, demonstrating the competency and ethical standards demanded by the legal profession. Students will receive a well-rounded education founded on a practical mix of general education and legal education courses, stressing understanding and reasoning rather than rote learning of facts.

Please note that paralegals cannot give legal advice, represent clients in court, or otherwise engage in the unauthorized practice of law. The practice of law by non-attorneys is strictly prohibited by law.

Academic Advising & Student Success

Academic Advisors assist students with developing academic plans based on their degree evaluations.  Their goals is to plan the right pathway to graduation by maximizing student's potential and ensuring success based on teh student's previous academic experience, career path, and responsibilities outside of being a student.  Student Success Specialists assist students in overcoming barriers that many students encounter over their academic career.  Their goal is to help students become academically successful by assisting with goal setting, interpersonal issues, success plans, and community-based referrals.  More information can be found on Commons (Student Success Specialist).

Technology Requirements

Students must have regular access to a laptop/computer with reliable Wi-Fi at home/off-campus. Please check your laptop/computer to make sure that it meets the minimum recommended specifications below:

Windows/PC	Mac
Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit (preferred) Windows 8.1 (32 or 64-bit) RAM: 8GB Hard Drive: 256GB SSD Processor: 2.4+ GHz	Operating System: Mojave v10.14 or later (preferred) High Sierra v10.13 or later RAM: 8GB Hard Drive: 256GB SSD Processor: Intel Core Duo 2 GHz or faster

Academic Support

Free academic help including drop-in tutoring, test preparation, and technology support available online and face-to-face. More information is available on Commons (Student Services & Support).

Students with Disabilities

CVTC welcomes individuals with disabilities. We will provide and coordinate reasonable accommodations for all individuals with documented disabilities. Students that might benefit from accommodations during their college experience at CVTC can contact Diversity Resources at 715-833-6234 or diversity@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.

Title IX Pregnancy and Postpartum

CVTC does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy and maternity leave will be excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by a student's medical provider, and students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work. Students are encouraged to contact Diversity Resources at 715-833-6234 or diversity@cvtc.edu to set up an appointment as soon as the pregnancy is known.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

CPL offers CVTC students an opportunity to earn college credit toward an associate degree or technical diploma for previous knowledge and mastered skills directly related to program curriculum. Previous knowledge and skills may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military experience, and courses completed at other institutions. If a student wishes to attempt CPL for a course in progress, it is imperative that CPL is attempted within the first week of the class to be eligible for a tuition refund.  More information can be found at cvtc.edu/CPL.

Computer Skills

To begin the program, a student must be familiar with Microsoft Office Suite and have a keyboarding speed of 35 words per minute.

Technology

Coursework in this Program will require use of a desktop computer or laptop (PC or Macintosh) as your primary device.  Your operating system should run Windows 10 or be capable of being upgraded to Windows 10 or macOS 10.14.  You also will need a reliable internet connection for use with a Webcam capable of web conferencing, a microphone, and speakers (built-in or USB headset).  The cost of meeting these technology requirements may be included in financial aid consideration.  Please contact the Financial Aid Office for funding options. 

Additional course recommended, but not required for this program:

• 103-102 Microsoft Office Suite (for introductory word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation skills)

Paralegal Post-Baccalaureate Diploma

A Paralegal Diploma may be earned in one year of study if the student has already completed a Bachelor's (BS or BA) or a higher degree. To complete the diploma, the student will need 24 credits in paralegal (110) courses.

You must be accepted into the Paralegal Program or the Paralegal Diploma to register for 110 legal specialty classes. Should you possess a BS, BA or higher degree, please contact the Program Director or an academic advisor to determine if the Associate Degree Program or the Paralegal Post-Baccalaureate Diploma will best meet your needs.

Financial Aid Consideration

Courses must be part of the student’s program to be eligible although some specific courses may not be eligible for financial aid. Students must follow their program requirements to be eligible for financial aid. To be eligible for financial aid, students must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress of a 2.0 Term GPA, 2.0 Cumulative GPA, complete 67% of attempted credits each semester, and complete their program by the time 150% of the published credits have been attempted.

Last Updated: March 8, 2024 @ 11:17 a.m.